Ram Page: Bristol Central High School's Student-Run Newspaper

By Maura Waters ’25

Most countries celebrate love originating from the story of St. Valentine. As the tale is told, marriage was outlawed because there was a need for soldiers, and single men were known to make better soldiers. So, the less marriages, the more soldiers. St. Valentine found this law cruel and unjust, so he secretly would have couples marry. As word was spread about Valentine’s wrong-doings, he was sentenced to death and was killed on February 14th. Since then, most love holidays are celebrated on the 14th of February. In America, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by giving your crush or lover gifts such as love letters, chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears. 

Valentine’s Day around the world…

South Africa: People from South Africa pin their significant other or crush’s name to their shirt to show their devotion. How cute! 

China: China celebrates a little differently, this day could go good or bad… Women cook rice with hints in it such as parsley or garlic; parsley hints that the woman wants to get married, whereas you wouldn’t want to get garlic because that shows the woman wants to break up! 

Estonia: Estonia celebrates all forms of love, specifically friendships rather than romance. This is the kind of Valentine’s Day I will be celebrating this year…

Bulgaria: This country toasts to their love over wine. It’s actually named “Winemaker’s Day” in their country, rather than Valentine’s Day. 

Japan: Valentine’s Day is celebrated by the women smothering their man in gifts and kisses and the man cannot return the favor until March 15th. 

Wales: Wales celebrates love on January 15th, and they call it the Day of San Dwynwen. On this day, lovers give each other handcrafted wooden spoons. 

Argentina: Interestingly enough, Argentina also celebrates love on a different day rather than February 14th. They celebrate “Semana de la Dulzura” or “the week of sweetness”. On this day, couples will exchange chocolate for kisses. 

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